From cloud piercing sky scrapers to paradise island archipelagos, Malaysia’s diversity as a destination is rivalled only by that of its people, cultures and cuisines. Home to Asia’s street food capital Penang, pack your tastebuds and experience the flavours of this bucket list foodie nation.
1. London Heathrow > Kuala Lumpur International
The stunning capital provides a fantastic introduction to the melting pot of culture famed in Malaysia. Fluid and fast paced, this metropolitan city is centred around the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The tallest in the world and a reminder of the economic prominence of Malaysia in Asia’s south east.
With dramatic views skyward, head to Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. Here lie endless shopping opportunities and bustle, by day and night. Whether it’s shopping in Bukit Bintang, partying in Changkat or heading for street food and late night bartering in close by Petaling Street market.
Heading slightly out of town, the famous Batu caves arrive as a culture shock. Alongside the whirlwind buzz and sea of visitors, here lies one of the most significant Hindu shrines outside of India. Accordingly, take this opportunity to be absorbed by the explosion of colour and energy. Although, stay alert to the local macaque population! An awe inspiring experience and never a better view to “take a coconut”, people watch and take a million and one pictures.
With the tropical heat and city bustle in full force, having comfortable accommodation is essential. What’s more, the considerably more accessible mid to high-end hotel pricing is very helpful when shopping around for a reservation in this part of the world.
Hotel Stripes, Chow Kit
Part of the Marriott’s Autograph collection, Hotel Stripes offers a super convenient central location. What a space Stripes’ Man Tao bar is, a refreshing spot that brings visitors closer to KL’s vibrant, colourful skyline. Add to this spacious, comfortable rooms that come with everything needed to recharge ahead of another day exploring the sights.
Breakfast in Malaysia is a unique experience. Meaning a blend of very different plates are on offer that will kick start your day. Whether it’s a Malay Nasi Lemak, Indian Roti Chanai, Chinese steamed buns or Western classics, Stripes breakfast buffet has it covered.
To summarize, Stripes is a fantastic stay that elevates any trip to KL with a fresh and welcoming atmosphere.
Marini’s on 57
Alongside incredible street food, Kuala Lumpur is home to an ever expanding fine dining scene. Together with its altitude and status as ‘the highest restaurant and rooftop bar in Malaysia’, Marini’s on 57 tops countless lists for unparalleled views. In touching distance of the Petronas Towers, get up close and personal with a view that needs to be seen to be believed.
Specialising in Italian fine dining, Marini’s combines elegant interiors with stunning plates and ultra luxury ingredients. For example, whether it’s black truffle, beluga caviar, oysters or Wagyu beef, the Marini’s kitchen doesn’t hold back. Therefore, expect a blow out meal accompanied by fine wines and an unforgettable cityscape to accentuate your dining experience.
For those simply wanting to take in the panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur, Marini’s rooftop bar is a must visit. Here an extensive cocktail list partners a diverse bar snacks menu that ranges from caviar to stone baked pizza. To sum up, this incredible venue provides a perfect setting to discus the days excitements over a fancy cocktail.
2. Kuala Lumpur > Penang, George Town
George Town is an exciting location. For the most part coming alive in the evenings as hawkers from around the city set up to serve the unique, delicious plates. For this reason, this world heritage site is considered by many to be the street food capital of Asia.
Three to five nights here is ideal. This grants enough time to explore the main attractions while adjusting to the change of pace from Kuala Lumpur’s bustle. Penang Hill and Penang National Park afford the opportunity to get out into the dense, surrounding jungle while burning calories amassed at evening hawker stalls. In addition, Kek Lok Si Temple is well worth a visit, instilling calm and colour among its lush green jungle surrounds.
Food is the epicentre of Penang culture, bringing people together (in sometimes obscure locations) to feast on a wide variety of savoury and sweet local favourites. Malaysian dishes consistently feature in south east Asian food guides, and it is easy to see why. Favorites include Ikan Bakar (grilled fish with spicey sambal), Satay and Char Kuew Teow (stir fried noodles with prawns and Chinese sausage). These stand out dishes are must tries, with New Lane Market coming out on top for diner attendance and variety.
Other must tries include the Kashmir Restoran on the edge of Little India for fragrant Biryani and Saag Paneer. Also, Wheelers Café on Love Lane serves refreshing, super strong cold brew alongside a Malaysian twist on brunch.
George Town’s vibrant nightlife is centred around Love Lane. Moreover there are a number of hidden speak easy bars to discover, after a visit to Chulia Street hawker market of course. The Grab app is a real life saver when navigating town. This takes the barter out of every ride with an average 10 minute trip costs around 13 ringgit or £2.60. A no brainer when hopping from bar to hawker centre.
3. Penang > Langkawi Island
There are a couple of ways to reach Langkawi from Penang. If flying is not your thing then opt for the coach and shorter ferry ride from Kuala Perlis. Why? Let’s just say the ferry services direct from Penang are notoriously bumpy, gastro experiences for all onboard.
101 perfect tropical islands await visitors to Langkawi and they are picture perfect. For this reason, spending as many nights here as possible is a good idea. Particularly given there is a lot to do between pool and beach down time.
Don’t pass up on the opportunity to learn about Langkawi’s rich biodiversity. Therefore, a few days spent with an expert tour guide will bring a whole new perspective to the island. The knowledge of Ex-Chairman of the Langkawi Tourist Guide Association, Vijayendhren (vijay27leo@gmail.com), is unrivalled. Now a freelance tour guide, learn from one of the pioneers of Langkawi tourism about island life and wildlife, geology, history and most importantly the best in food.
Other unforgettable experiences in Langkawi include a boat tour of the Kilim Geoforest Park , a day jet ski island hopping with Mega Water Sports , the miraculous Langkawi Sky Bridge and the stunning Seven Wells Waterfall.
Five star hotel experiences in Asia’s South East much more accessible when compared to western destinations. As such, consider allocating a fair chunk of your accommodation budget to this leg of the trip for that perfect paradise island stay.
The Ritz Carlton, Langkawi
The Ritz Carlton is a unique and spectacular property. For this reason, it has featured in the Condé Nast Travellers ‘Top 25 Resorts in the World 2019’ and ‘Top 5 Resorts in Asia 2019’. Set within a 10 million year old rainforest on the edge of the Andaman Sea, the Ritz team have perfectly curated a magical space where luxury, tradition and nature work harmoniously.
Rooms are elegant and fitting with the natural surrounds. Subsequently the calm of outside is embraced through the use of natural materials and traditional furnishings. Stunning wild flowers add colour among lush green surrounds, home to amazing jungle wildlife including dusky leaf monkeys and giant, prehistoric great hornbills.
Facing west, and blending seamlessly into the horizon of the Andaman sea, The Ritz’ Horizon infinity pool, bar and restaurant is perfect at any time of day. Unforgettable sunsets over cocktails is a daily occurrence alongside wildlife spotting that includes dolphins and hefty monitor lizards.
A magical corner of Langkawi. Unparalleled service and fine cuisine. A stay at the Ritz Langkawi is an unforgettable travel experience.
The Els Club, Langkawi
Langkawi’s 10 million year old rainforest and crystal blue Andaman waters play backdrop to an unforgettable golf experience at the Els Club Teluk Datai. Dramatic, challenging and picture perfect, getting out on this tropical course is truly memorable.
With Great Hornbills flying overhead and audiences of Macaques roaming hole to hole, the Rainforest course is true to its name. Coupled with surreal ocean views under the shadow of the surrounding Mat Chinchang mountains, take aim and earn your personalised engraved bag medal. A celebratory souvenir worthy of an exhilarating round.
4. Langkawi Island > Kuala Lumpur
It’s well worth spending a couple of nights in the capital before heading home. Above all, this provides ample opportunity to shop till you drop across Kuala Lumpur’s high-end shopping malls and world famous night markets. Be warned, street vendors live to barter so keep stern and earn yourself a bargain.
The W Hotel, KL
A literal stones throw from the iconic Petronas Towers, views from the W‘s east facing rooms are postcard worthy by day and night. Modern interiors alongside techy, in-room comforts are as standard and expected from the W brand. This cool and relaxed vibe stretches throughout the property, with the ambient feel playing into the W’s love of music and culture. As such, expect frequent events and performances from established musicians, DJs and creatives.
The Petronas towers play a dramatic backdrop to the W’s outdoor pool (the “WET” deck), towering over this refreshing space. Subsequently, the cityscape view, accompanied by an outdoor bar and smooth tunes, is a centre of town spot like no other. For this reason be sure to grab a drink here while taking a break from the bustle outside.
The W is definitely a glitzy city stay in the blingiest part of town. As a result, a couple of nights here before returning home provides yet another perspective of this amazing country.
The Verdict
There aren’t many destinations in the world that can rival Malaysia for diversity. This emanates from the intersection of three very distinct cultures. Everyday in Malaysia offers another opportunity to experience truly authentic Malay, Chinese and Indian plates that are a world away from the staples found in UK takeaways.
From high rise metropolitan landscapes to paradise island archipelagos a visit to Malaysia is truly enriching. Visitors are granted a worldly travel experience, accompanied by familiar home comforts along the way.
A huge thank you to our trip partners Marriott International, Els Club Malaysia, Marini’s on 57 and Naturally Langkawi. All opinions expressed are completely our own.